Two days from the Bund to the plane-tree districts — classics and cool corners both. All by metro, ideal for a weekend dash.
Before you start
Two days is plenty for a first trip to Shanghai. I've split this into one classic Bund day and one arty-neighborhood day — relaxed enough for a weekend dash, and easy with parents too. Everything is reachable by metro; no taxis needed.
Day 1: Classic Shanghai
Start the morning on the Bund and walk the riverfront — across the water is the Lujiazui skyline (Jin Mao, the SWFC and Shanghai Tower). Wander the historic buildings of the Bund first, then head down Nanjing Road.
- The Bund's heritage architecture: 52 buildings in every style — take your time and your photos
- Nanjing Road pedestrian street: old institutions plus trendy shops; the No.1 Department Store footbridge is great for photos
- Yu Garden & City God Temple: a classic garden plus snacks — queue for the Nanxiang soup dumplings
Tip: the Bund light-up is the main event, around 6:30pm. Crowds peak on Fri/Sat, so come early for clean shots.
In the evening, head to Lujiazui and go up Shanghai Tower's 118th floor for the night view — or find a riverside restaurant on the North Bund for better value and an equally great angle.
Day 2: An arty stroll
Switch up the pace and dive into the plane-tree districts.
- Wukang Road & Anfu Road: the prettiest streets in town — the Wukang Mansion is the photo centerpiece
- Tianzifang: a shikumen-lane maze of indie shops, made for slow browsing
- Shanghai Museum (People's Square): free, with world-class bronze and painting galleries
If you have time, bike along the West Bund at sunset, or shoot industrial-chic frames at 1933 Old Millfun.
Rough budget
About ¥1,500-2,000 per person for two days (excluding hotel), mostly food and tower tickets. Shanghai's food scene is huge — save room for Benbang classics: braised pork, oil-exploded shrimp and stewed pork intestines. You haven't really been until you've eaten one.